Ten-man Under-18s record courageous win over Burnley

Manchester City's Under-18s continued our hunt for the Under-18 Premier League North title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Burnley.

Goals from Oscar Bobb and Carlos Borges secured the win for Carlos Vicens’ team. However, it would not be all plain-sailing after Tai Sodje was sent off, leaving City with ten men for the majority of the game.

The fearless showing from City was an important one, as it means we stay firmly in the league title race with four games left to play.

WHAT HAPPENED

The City youngsters got off to the perfect start at a sun-soaked City Football Academy, opening the scoring inside 10 minutes.

Bobb broke his way into the Burnley box and whilst his first effort was well saved, he latched onto the rebound and bundled home the opener.

In spite of the fast start, Vicens team were dealt a huge blow in the final stages of the first half, as Sodje was sent off for a late challenge, leaving City a man down with just under an hour left to play.

Despite the disadvantage, the City youngsters continued to dominate in the second half, and these efforts were rewarded with 20 minutes left.

The pacey Borges broke through the heart of the Burnley backline to go one-on-one with the ‘keeper and slotted his effort into the bottom corner to double our lead.

City would see out the final stages with a professional performance, securing a hugely important three points in the U18 Premier League North title race.

HOW WE LINED UP

Mikki Van Sas‘ goal was protected by a back four of Kwaku Oduroh, CJ Egan-Riley, Jadel Katongo and Juan Larios.

Harvey Griffiths, Darko Gyabi and Micah Hamilton formed our midfield, with Oscar Bobb and Carlos Borges out wide.

Tai Sodje led the line up-front.

WHAT IT MEANS

Victory means we remain right in the title hunt, as we stay just two points behind league leaders Manchester United with a game in hand and four games left to play.